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Fig. 3 | Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Fig. 3

From: Let-7a-transfected mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension by suppressing pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell growth through STAT3-BMPR2 signaling

Fig. 3

Effect of MSC-let-7a on the development of PAH. Rats were given PBS, MSCs, MSC-NC, or MSC-let-7a 2 weeks after intraperitoneal injection with MCT. The blood samples were collected at 7, 14, and 21 days after injection. The expression of let-7a was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (a) and, about 3 weeks later, the expression of let-7a was analyzed in lung tissues (b). The effect of MSC-let-7a on RVSP was analyzed by inserting 3-F Miller catheters into the right ventricle through the right jugular vein (c). Then, rats were euthanized and the hearts and lung tissues were harvested. The ratios of RV/LV + S (d) and RV/BW (e) were determined to evaluate right ventricular hypertrophy. Following lysis with RIPA buffer, the mRNA levels of Fn in lung tissues were detected by quantitative RT-PCR (f). The expression of α-SMA was analyzed by Western blotting (g). Lung tissues were embedded in paraffin, and then were cut into serial 4-μm thick sections. Wall thickness was then evaluated by HE staining (h). *p < 0.05. BW body weight, LV left ventricle, MCT monocrotaline, MSC mesenchymal stem cell, NC miR-control, PBS phosphate-buffered saline, RV right ventricle, RVSP right ventricular systolic pressure, S septum, SMA smooth muscle actin

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